Yamaha EX7

The EX7 features a
unique Extended Synthesis system which incorporates a number of the most
advanced tone generator technologies currently available...plus a
full-featured sampling system. It offers a Four-Element Voice structure which allows for up to
four independent waves from any of the tone generators. The tone generators
implemented here include AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) Synthesis, AN (Analog Physical Modeling) Synthesis and
FDSP (Formulated Digital Sound Processing) Synthesis. According to Yamaha:

"AWM is Yamaha's original system for effectively using sampled waveforms in
synthesizers and tone generators. The strength of AWM synthesis lies not
only in its extraordinary ability to "shape" and control the sound of the
samples with a comprehensive system of envelope generators, filters, key
scaling parameters, modulation, and more.
AWM voices can have from 1 to 4 AWM elements. Each AWM element can use a
preset wave or a sampled waveform. The ability to combine AWM elements
means that you can, for example, combine separate samples for the attack
and sustain portions of an instrument's sound, with independent control
over each.

Yamaha AN Synthesis (Analog Physical Modeling) offers all the benefits of
traditional analog synthesis with the stability, reproducability, and
precise control of digital technology. It is capable of accurately
reproducing the sound of classic analog synthesizers without patch cables,
setting charts, or the frustrating instability that was the bane of the
analog age.
A standard (Poly) AN voice can have 1 AN element and from 1 to 3 AWM
elements. Classic analog synth type sounds can be created with the single
AN element alone. AWM elements can be added as necessary to "modernize"
the sound.

FDSP adds a sophisticated note-dependent effect processor to the basic AWM
synthesis system. In contrast to a stand effect stage, the FDSP synthesis
stage uses individual note and velocity data to control effect parameters,
thus making it possible to simulate the characteristics of a number of
real-world musical components, as well as produce totally new effects.
FDSP can produce totally new sounds that are responsive and "alive".
FDSP voices have from 1 to 4 AWM elements with an FDSP stage between the
elements and the main effect stage. The FDSP stage can be applied to any
or all of the AWM elements used, as required."

The EX7 also features sophisticated sampling capability. Samples can
be used in AWM voice elements or mapped to and played via
individual keys of the keyboard using the Key Map mode. It is also
possible to sample internal sounds created in the EX7. The Sample mode
has all the features you'd expect from a professional sampler and is
compatible with WAV, AIFF and AKAI formats. Sampled waveforms can be saved
to floppy disk or to an external storage device via the optional
ASIB1 SCSI Interface.

The features don't stop there. Six Controller Knobs can be assigned to a
wide range of parameters for extraordinary real-time control capability
along with the Pitch wheel, two Mod wheels, assignable Ribbon Controller and Scene memory
buttons. Two types of full featured built-in Sequencers are on-board.
A 16-Track Song Sequencer has real-time play effects and "groove" quantization.
An 8-Track Pattern Sequencer has most of the functions and features of
the 16-track song sequencer, but is more suited to the production of drum tracks, dance
grooves, or other frequently used phrases. There's also a great
4-track Arpeggiator with 50 preset and user patterns.

Top-quality digital effects processors of two types are onboard.
The "System" effects includes two separate effect units: Reverb and Chorus.
Independent reverb and chorus settings can be made for each voice in the Voice mode, and for each
performance setup in the Performance mode. Two "Insertion" effects provide up
to 79 additional effects like chorus, distortion and overdrive, amp simulation, auto wah,
equalization, delay, reverb, and other effects.

Use the 16-part Performance mode to create elaborate sequences, layer sounds
and so on. Different parts can be assigned to different areas of
the keyboard, there are up to 16 zones. The EX Key Map mode allows you to assign individual samples, patterns, or
pattern tracks to different keys of the keyboard. These can then be played
or triggered from the keyboard or an external sequencer or other MIDI controller.
Every knob and controller on the keyboard sends and receives MIDI data in real-time.

The EX5 is a bigger version of the EX7. It has a larger 76 note keyboard with
initial and aftertouch responses. It also features Yamaha's Virtual Acoustic synthesis
and the AN and FDSP generators can be combined in "AN + FDSP" mode. The EX5 is also available
as a rack-module, the EX5R. The EX series represents a giant leap forward in synthesizer technology from Yamaha!

The link above will take you to an eBay search for this synth to see active listings with more images, specs and information. If you don't find it there, try looking in our forum marketplace. Our marketplace gets thousands of visits every week so make sure to check back often if you want to buy or sell a synth.

Related forum topics

Looking for a dx11. I have a tx81z which I like the way it is, but I need a new controller keyboard so I thought I could combine the two. Can also trade the tx81z towards the dx11 if you lik... | Read more...

... that I need to set prices high on Craigslist to control the lowball offers. I also have a Yamaha V50 and a Proteus 1. I don't have much into either, so I'd take reasonable offers. I'd ... | Read more...

... set about pulling the TG33 apart. This is a little tricky as, and is so often the case with Yamaha synths, there are quite a few layers of subassembly to remove before the display module ... | Read more...